MIAMI (AP) — Josh Johnson’s a big fan of Roy Halladay, despite being on the losing end when the Philadelphia Phillies ace pitched his perfect game against the Florida Marlins last May 29.
On Tuesday, Halladay will pitch in Miami for the first time since that night, and again Johnson will be the opposing pitcher. Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said the latest duel between two of baseball’s best pitchers ensures extra adrenaline in both dugouts.
Johnson (3-1) led the NL in ERA last year and ranks second this season at 1.68 despite coming off his worst start of the season Thursday, when he lost at St. Louis.
Halladay (5-1) has a 2.19 ERA in seven starts and ranks among the major league leaders in strikeouts (57) and complete games (two).
